Latest Podcast Episode:

3 practical ways to improve your ideas and get buy-in

Latest Podcast Episode: 3 practical ways to improve your ideas and get buy-in

Ready to become a better boss Today?

E-mail me new posts

I attended my first board meeting in 2019. The room had lawyers, surgeons, and hedge fund managers. Yikes!

Here’s how it went down.

In 2019 I was invited to present at a board meeting for a hospital foundation that’s close to my heart. This was unlike any other meeting I’ve attended. It’s almost been 2 years since the meeting, but I still remember these 5 lessons.

Lesson 1: Showmanship is for amateurs

Out of the 19 people present, the most accomplished were the most humble. Even during times of intense disagreement, there was no interruption or loud voices. No one was trying to outdo each other. People were relaxed yet confident.

Lesson 2: Succinct + Assertive equals = Executive Presence

The attendees were articulate, assertive, and unsurprisingly commanded attention. They almost had an uncanny ability to remain poise. and share information while remaining succinct and to the point. The poise really stood out.

Lesson 3: Great leaders listen and ask questions

This room was no exception. Everyone was a good listener and focused on the topic on hand. Remember, these individuals are used to leading organizations, hospitals, and courtrooms, but it was the way they listened to each other that set them apart. None of them was shy to question someone’s opinion or ask a “basic” question. Their insatiable curiosity is what made the conversation so engaging.

Lesson 4: Solid agenda = solid meeting

The meeting stuck to an agenda. Everyone had access to it in advance. This resulted in a good flow of conversation with minimal tangents. No one moved off an agenda item before a “resolution” was achieved. This was key.

Lesson 5: A-players stay focussed

Despite busy schedules and competing priorities, I didn’t see a single person look at their phone or work on a laptop during the meeting. People were attentive, asking questions, disagreeing respectfully yet assertively. The meeting started on time, ended on time.

Walking out of that board room confirmed my notion that highly accomplished leaders don’t try to “people-please”, they come in with a purpose to do a job, do it well, and go home. They thrive on leading companies, teams, and people but most importantly what they’re really after is making an impact. That’s the real game!

Be the first to know!

Subscribe to my exclusive mailing list
and get the freshest posts delivered straight to your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Ready to become a better boss today?

Custom designed training for busy managers like you.
1 week. 5 e-mails. 1 minute per day.

GET STARTED WITH A FREE COURSE

Ali Merchant logo

Ready to become a better boss?

Subscribe to my exclusive mailing list to get the freshest posts delivered straight to your inbox.

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Ali Merchant logo

Ready to Become a Great Boss Today?

Subscribe to my exclusive mailing list to get the freshest posts delivered straight to your inbox.

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Ali Merchant logo

Listen to the All-in Manager Podcast

Subscribe to my exclusive mailing list to get the freshest posts delivered straight to your inbox.

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Ali Merchant logo

Before we send you the FREE course, select the option that best describes you below.

FOR NEW MANAGERS   FOR SENIOR LEADERS

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Learn How to Become a Great Manager in only 5 Days!

IN THIS FREE E-MAIL COURSE, YOU'LL LEARN:

  • 5 ways to connect and build trust with your direct reports.
  • My word-for-word scripts, templates and 15 questions to run great 1:1s
  • 8 steps to better delegation to save you time and build trust
  • 4 steps to delivering feedback-that-works
  • 5 mistakes to avoid as a new manager and 3 tactics to beat stress

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Learn How to Become an Influential Leader in only 5 Days!

IN THIS FREE E-MAIL COURSE, YOU'LL LEARN:

  • How to listen to build influence
  • How to start G.R.O.Wing your employees today
  • 5 powerful questions to create meaningful progress
  • How to Identify your leadership blindspots
  • 3 techniques to beat overwhelm and take back your life

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Want a step-by-step guide to delivering feedback that actually works!

How to Deliver Exception Feedback

GET THE:

  • 4 step planning workbook to gain clarity before your next conversation
  • 5 power questions to get your employee un-stuck during the conversation
  • 7 commitment questions to inspire behavior change

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Subscribe for bonus content

Subscribe for bonus content

Join my mailing list to receive the latest podcasts, videos and bonus content (only available to subscribers)

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Pin It on Pinterest